DETROIT, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, an industry-leading supplier of mobile audio and in-vehicle electrical systems, announced an upgrade of its in-car connected infotainment platform. The latest upgrade includes an HTML5 web browser.

As announced at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the latest version of Panasonic's platform is being used by Chevrolet to deploy a flexible application framework on select 2014 Chevrolet models with the MyLink infotainment system. The new framework will allow drivers to add apps and features to their vehicle after the initial purchase, allowing vehicle infotainment systems to improve over time. The framework includes an app catalog that will allow vehicle owners to choose from a menu of available applications specifically designed for the in-vehicle experience.

"Customers now expect their vehicle to be an integral part of their fully connected lifestyle. Panasonic's automotive platform brings our expertise in fully connected home solutions to the vehicle, enabling our customers to deploy compelling connected features to automotive consumers," said Tom Gebhardt, President of Panasonic Automotive Systems of America. "The HTML5 web browser we've added to the platform is a key enabler for connected features such as the Flexible Application Framework Chevrolet is launching on MyLink."

MyLink also enables speech recognition to initiate actions such as making phone calls, selecting a radio station or playing music from a personal device.

"GM customers will soon be able to personalize and update the apps in their vehicles," said GM Chief Infotainment Officer Phil Abram, "compared to today, when you purchase a vehicle and the infotainment features are fixed and remain the same throughout the ownership experience."

Panasonic's long history of advanced technology development, local engineering resources, supplier partnerships, worldwide production and global sourcing has allowed the company to leverage its global experience and capability to deliver an automotive platform that enablers their customers to deploy features and capabilities that are key market differentiators in today's extremely competitive automotive market.

About Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of AmericaBased in Peachtree City, Ga., with Detroit-area operations located in Farmington Hills, Mich., Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Secaucus, New Jersey-based Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. (NYSE: PC) of Osaka, Japan, one of the world's leading developers and producers of innovative digital and other electronic products for consumer, business and industrial use. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America also acts as the North American operating company of Panasonic's Automotive Systems Company of Japan, which coordinates global automotive industry systems and components operations. For more information on Panasonic Automotive, please visit: www.panasonic.com/business/automotive.